The only time I talk to him [Dr. Brasch] is if I set up a meeting that I have to pay for...I feel that he is likely to jump to doing IVF or donor eggs before any other procedure. I also feel that for being a patient at his clinic for almost 3 years, I should have more contact with him. I have only had contact with him a few times...I did not talk with him about any treatment strategies. It is basically left up to me what I would like to do next. I speak with the nurses, not him.

+ Read more

Age

30 - 31

Treated

2015 - 2016

Success with this Doc

No

Race

Other

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

Teacher

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

5 IUI

Diagnosis

Endometriosis

2

How was your experience with Joel Brasch?

I feel that he is likely to jump to doing IVF or donor eggs before any other procedure. I also feel that for being a patient at his clinic for almost 3 years, I should have more contact with him. I have only had contact with him a few times. My initial visit, and if I call to set up an appointment to talk, in which I have to pay for. I have done 5 IUIs and one of those included a miscarriage. Not once during any of these procedures did I talk with him. Also, after my surgery for endometriosis, he was going on vacation and I was not going to get to talk to him about my results for weeks. I had to bed the receptionist to at least read my the report so I knew what my condition was. I have not done IVF because at his clinic we have to be put on birth control so that all IVF patients are done at the same time. This is simply for easiness on their part, and not the best interest of the patient.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

I feel that for as much money and time I have spend doing fertility treatments, I was never checked on or contacted by him. The only time I talk to him is if I set up a meeting that I have to pay for. I feel that we as fertility patients should be checked on and followed up on, especially since he was not the one I dealt with during my IUIs. His nurses did all the work and they were the ones to deliver the bad news.

Describe the protocols Joel Brasch used in your cycles and their degree of success.

I did not talk with him about any treatment strategies. It is basically left up to me what I would like to do next. I speak with the nurses, not him.

Describe your experience with your nurse.

Angela was the nurse I dealt with for all of my IUIs. She is caring, compassionate, and patient. I felt as if her heart was just as much in the treatments as mine was. She was excellent.

Describe your experience with Chicago IVF.

Strengths- great office staff. They try their best to donate any extra fertility medicine to you if they have extras. They are compassionate about what you are going through and dealing with .
Weaknesses- I do not hear from Dr. Brasch often. I do not agree that patients need to be put on birth control before doing and IVF cycle.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Joel Brasch.

Appointments with Dr. Brasch were a couple hundred. IUIs were around $1300.

2

Doctor

Joel Brasch

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

5

Clinic

Chicago IVF

Munster

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

– Read less

0

Age

33

Treated

2016

Success with this Doc

No

Treatment

2 IUI, 1 IVF, 2 Egg Freezing

Diagnosis

Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Endometriosis

0

I feel that I was given a "cookie-cutter" plan. The research shows that people with diminished ovarian reserve should not be put on birth control prior to a cycle (long protocol). Dr. Brasch put me on birth control anyway. Dr. Brasch was 15 minutes late for my egg retrieval, which is very time sensitive. I had four follicles, all of which were good size, two of which were quite large. I ended up with two eggs, and only one embryo. After our poor results and failed IVF cycle, Dr. Brasch strongly encouraged moving on to donor eggs. In addition, he suggested that if I wanted to continue with my own eggs, we could try a different protocol (micro flare lupron). When I mentioned that I had read that that particular protocol affected egg quality, and that he had mentioned concerns with the quality of my eggs, he said "Well, feel free to email me about other protocols," as he stood up and open the door for us to leave. Needless to say, I left there in tears, and made an appointment with a new doctor in the parking lot.

+ Read more

Age

33

Treated

2016

Success with this Doc

No

Race

European

Income

$100K - $199K

Occupation

—

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1st of 2 Docs

Treatment

2 IUI, 1 IVF, 2 Egg Freezing

Diagnosis

Diminished Ovarian Reserve, Endometriosis

0

How was your experience with Joel Brasch?

Dr. Brasch is obviously very knowledgeable. He is strong in what he believes and believes what he recommends to his patients; however, he can be rather pushy in his recommendations. He was late to my retrieval and transfer. The wait for any office visit was well over 30 minutes each time. He performed the laparoscopic surgery and diagnosed my endometriosis, and I was happy with that. When he came in prior to the retrieval and transfer, he had no idea about my history. I really felt he could have at least looked at a chart or something before meeting with us. I felt like I was a new patient every time I saw him.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Joel Brasch?

Do your own research, and bring in many questions. Before you commit to any protocols or treatment, go home and do your own research again. Don't let him talk around your questions. Demand a straight answer.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

I feel that I was given a "cookie-cutter" plan. The research shows that people with diminished ovarian reserve should not be put on birth control prior to a cycle (long protocol). Dr. Brasch put me on birth control anyway. Dr. Brasch was 15 minutes late for my egg retrieval, which is very time sensitive. I had four follicles, all of which were good size, two of which were quite large. I ended up with two eggs, and only one embryo. After our poor results and failed IVF cycle, Dr. Brasch strongly encouraged moving on to donor eggs. In addition, he suggested that if I wanted to continue with my own eggs, we could try a different protocol (micro flare lupron). When I mentioned that I had read that that particular protocol affected egg quality, and that he had mentioned concerns with the quality of my eggs, he said "Well, feel free to email me about other protocols," as he stood up and open the door for us to leave. Needless to say, I left there in tears, and made an appointment with a new doctor in the parking lot.

Describe the protocols Joel Brasch used in your cycles and their degree of success.

Long protocol. I was on birth control for a month prior to starting injections. When the cycle failed, he could not give me a rationale for why he chose that protocol versus a protocol better suited for diminished ovarian reserve. I started with the same dosage of medication that I have used for my IUIs, which was very successful with both of my IUIs. I had very little to no growth during the first several follicle checks. I was soon place on the maximum dosage of injections. I had four large follicles at my last ultrasound before by egg retrieval. Two eggs were retrieved. One became an embryo that we were able to transfer.

Describe your experience with your nurse.

Angela was fantastic! She was the one who did the majority of my monitoring during all of my treatment cycles. She also did the two IUIs in the office. Nancy, the nurse practitioner, was also very friendly and helpful. I only met with her one time, but she was the one who first mentioned endometriosis to me. Other nurses that I encountered were also nice. I just did not have as good of a relationship with them, as I did not see them as often as I saw Angela.

Describe your experience with Chicago IVF.

Most of my appointments were in the Valporaiso clinic. They have other offices in Illinois. The Valporaiso office is clean. The wait time was always at least 30 minutes. See clerical staff was very helpful. The retrievalS and transfers were done at a surgical center, so IVF was not all that they encountered, and it seemed a little impersonal.

It seemed like everytime I saw [Dr. Brasch] he had a rehearsed speech to give me. He said the exact thing everytime I saw him. I didn’t feel like he tailored his speech to fit where we were at in our treatment.3 iui cycles with letrozole. Because letrozole was supposed to work best for pcos. The first 2 cycles failed and we canceled the 3rd bc I was not responding to the medication at all. 3 more cycles with iui and clomid. All 3 failed.

+ Read more

Age

28

Treated

2016

Success with this Doc

No

Race

European

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

Nurse or HC Services

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

6 IUI

Diagnosis

PCOS

4

How was your experience with Joel Brasch?

Dr Brasch was very sympathetic. Very kind, but it also seemed like he said the same thing to every patient. I only saw him twice in my entire two years with the clinic. And each time he said the exact same words. Drew the exact same picture and told us to do the exact same thing. Now looking back I would’ve appreciated him being more blunt and pushing us to try something different, instead of saying that he thinks what we’re doing is good.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Joel Brasch?

Write down all your questions, and all of his answers. Push for what seems right for you and your future.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

It seemed like everytime I saw the dr he had a rehearsed speech to give me. He said the exact thing everytime I saw him. I didn’t feel like he tailored his speech to fit where we were at in our treatment.

Describe the protocols Joel Brasch used in your cycles and their degree of success.

3 iui cycles with letrozole. Because letrozole was supposed to work best for pcos. The first 2 cycles failed and we canceled the 3rd bc I was not responding to the medication at all.
3 more cycles with iui and clomid. All 3 failed.

Describe your experience with your nurse.

Angela was the sweetest nurse around. She has such compassion, knows just the right things to say and I looked forward to seeing her everytime I was there. I’m a very anxious person, and she made me feel completely calm.

Describe your experience with Chicago IVF.

The clinic is very small, maybe a little on the outdated side,but very organized. It seemed that everyone worked well together. Never waited for my appointment, always received calls back in a timely manner.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Joel Brasch.

Each iui was $1350 I believe.
After each iui I’d get a bill anywhere from 200-400 for random labs and whatnot.
And then the medications would cost me anywhere from $200-900 each cycle.

4

Doctor

Joel Brasch

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

6

Clinic

Chicago IVF

Munster

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

– Read less

8

Age

26

Treated

2016

Success with this Doc

No

Treatment

2 IUI

Diagnosis

Male Factor, Unexplained

8

Dr. Brasch, at every visit, reviews the least to most invasive interventions as well as the cost associated, as we are dealing with a lack of insurance coverage because fertility treatments are not covered by our insurance plan. He is reassuring but also honest, straight-forward, and realistic. He expresses his professional opinion in a way that still allows us the freedom to make decision moving forward with treatment. He is sure to explain things in a way that we understand and answers questions thoroughly.

+ Read more

Age

26

Treated

2016

Success with this Doc

No

Race

European

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

—

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

2 IUI

Diagnosis

Male Factor, Unexplained

8

How was your experience with Joel Brasch?

Dr. Brasch, at every visit, reviews the least to most invasive interventions as well as the cost associated, as we are dealing with a lack of insurance coverage because fertility treatments are not covered by our insurance plan. He is reassuring but also honest, straight-forward, and realistic. He expresses his professional opinion in a way that still allows us the freedom to make decision moving forward with treatment. He is sure to explain things in a way that we understand and answers questions thoroughly.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Joel Brasch?

Do not hesitate to ask questions or for clarification.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

Answered every question and clarified anything we did not understand, gave advice both professional and personal, never felt rushed nor had to wait very long for appointments

Describe the protocols Joel Brasch used in your cycles and their degree of success.

Dr. Brasch prescribed me the lowest dose of Clomid and my body reacted very well to the medication, without severe side effects. My first IUI treatment, I had overstimulation and created 6 eggs. It was left up to us to continue with treatment due to the risk of a high-order multiple pregnancy. We felt the risks were well explained to us and we decided to move forward with the IUI procedure. We completed inseminations on back-to-back days, to improve our chances of conceiving. Our first round of IUI was unsuccessful. We decided to move forward with another round of IUI the following month, with the same medication doses and back-to-back inseminations and again the procedure was unsuccessful. The treatments occurred in May and June 2017. Presently (March 2018), we have not had any further treatment and instead attempted to investigate and treat what we believed to be the cause of infertility (male factor). My husband was diagnosed with multiple varicoceles and had surgical repair in July 2017. Numerous post-surgery semen analysis showed no improvement in sperm count. We again consulted with Dr. Brasch who suggested we investigate surgically on myself and I completed a laparoscopy in November 2017 and results came back normal. It was at that point that we decided if we attempt any further treatment, we would proceed with IVF. Due to the financial burden of IVF without insurance coverage, we are unable to proceed with treatment at this time.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

We have had interactions with many nurses from Chicago IVF as we have visited the offices in Valparaiso, Munster, and Orland Park. All were very kind, understanding, and helpful.

Describe your experience with Chicago IVF.

The clinic is always clean, well-maintained, with friendly staff. Weaknesses included the requirement to travel depending on when treatment was needed. For example, our IUI fell over a weekend and we were required to travel from Valparaiso, IN to Orland Park, IL in order to proceed with treatment during that time. This was not problematic for us as we had family nearby, but for someone who does not, it would possibly be a challenge.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Joel Brasch.

Our insurance covered many of the tests, procedures, and office visits under Dr. Brasch's care, but did not cover the cost of fertility treatment. We had numerous $40 co-pays for office visits. My husband's varicocele surgery costs approximately $1000 out of pocket, my laparoscopy cost approximately $600 out of pocket. Each IUI procedure cost $1,850 so for us we paid a total of $3,700 since we completed 2 IUIs. In addition to that expense, we also paid approximately $120 for medication each cycle. We have spent approximately $6,000 since we began seeing Dr. Brasch in the fall of 2016.

8

Doctor

Joel Brasch

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

8

Clinic

Chicago IVF

Munster

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

– Read less

10

Age

30

Treated

2010

Success with this Doc

No

Treatment

2 IUI

Diagnosis

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Anovulation, Male Factor

10

Dr Brasch is very compassionate. He takes care to not only make sure you are well informed of your options, but also sees to the emotional needs of a couple. When I found I had additional questions after a consultation, Dr Brasch was quick to take a phone consultation with me to further inform me...As I suffer from annovulatuin & a progesterone deficiency, Dr Brasch recommended the use of Clomid to assist in ovulation. My husband suffers from Varicocele, which can cause his sperm count to fluctuate or be unpredictable. So to further asssist in conception, Dr Brasch offered us the option of monitored IUI rounds.

+ Read more

Age

30

Treated

2010

Success with this Doc

No

Race

European

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

Accountant

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

2 IUI

Diagnosis

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Anovulation, Male Factor

10

How was your experience with Joel Brasch?

Dr Brasch is very compassionate. He takes care to not only make sure you are well informed of your options, but also sees to the emotional needs of a couple. When I found I had additional questions after a consultation, Dr Brasch was quick to take a phone consultation with me to further inform me.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Joel Brasch?

Come prepared to ask questions & be ready to partner with Dr Brasch. He is as invested as you are in a favorable outcome!

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

Dr Brasch & each member of his staff have treated us like family. They are exceptionally warm & welcoming at each visit. You can feel they are as hopeful for success as you are!

Describe the protocols Joel Brasch used in your cycles and their degree of success.

As I suffer from annovulatuin & a progesterone deficiency, Dr Brasch recommended the use of Clomid to assist in ovulation. My husband suffers from Varicocele, which can cause his sperm count to fluctuate or be unpredictable. So to further asssist in conception, Dr Brasch offered us the option of monitored IUI rounds. I was prescribed progesterone suppositories to assist in ensuring my progesterone levels stayed up through the end of each cycle.

Describe your experience with your nurse.

Tammy C was so compassionate, well informed & personable. She was willing to discuss natural forms of supplematation with me, for prenatal vitamins and such. Ashley has been a breath of fresh air! She treats me as though we are BFF’s & in this together.

Describe your experience with Chicago IVF.

Chicago IVF is so convenient in that they have several locations available in both IL & IN. Their same-day lab is phenomenal, in that you know you are receiving top care & priority in being notified of your next steps.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Joel Brasch.

Costs seemed industry appropriate. Being that my husband & myself were self-pay, due to no fertility coverage though our instance, the office offered to assist, where possible, with our injectibles medications via donated or sample medicines.

10

Doctor

Joel Brasch

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

10

Clinic

Chicago IVF

Valparaiso

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

– Read less

5

Age

—

Treated

—

Success with this Doc

No

Treatment

1 IUI

Diagnosis

Endometriosis, Tubal Blockage

5

I saw Dr. Brasch twice. At each of those visits, I waited at least one hour to be seen...Each time I got the same explanation of the fertility process and options, even though what we knew about the cause of my fertility issues had changed by the second visit....Dr. Brasch has an interesting personality which may come off as weird to some people. He explains things in an appropriate way that most should understand....We had an IUI the first round. It was clearly explained by his NP, Nancy.

+ Read more

Age

—

Treated

—

Success with this Doc

No

Race

European

Income

$100K - $199K

Occupation

Nurse or HC Services

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

1 IUI

Diagnosis

Endometriosis, Tubal Blockage

5

How was your experience with Joel Brasch?

I saw Dr. Brasch twice. At each of those visits, I waited at least one hour to be seen. As a healthcare provider, I understand that you can run behind, but this seems to be a recurrent issue rather than a random occurrence. I had significantly adjusted my work schedule for each visit. I actually had been asked to come in 30 minutes early for one of the appointments which I waited past my original appointment time.
I got the same "talk" about the fertility process at each appointment with the different options for my next step in care. Dr. Brasch has an interesting personality which may come off as weird to some people. He explains things in an appropriate way that most should understand.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Joel Brasch?

Educate yourself before you go, so that you have questions ready. The appointment can be emotional and feel overwhelming. Write things down so you remember.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

I saw Dr. Brasch twice. Each time I got the same explanation of the fertility process and options, even though what we knew about the cause of my fertility issues had changed by the second visit.

Describe the protocols Joel Brasch used in your cycles and their degree of success.

We had an IUI the first round. It was clearly explained by his NP, Nancy. During that round, an ovarian cyst was found and needed to be addressed prior to moving forward. I had an appointment with Dr. Brasch who recommended removal of the cyst with a D&C, hysteroscopy, and check of my fallopian tubes. Due to insurance coverage, I had these procedures done with my OB/Gyne doctor. I followed up with Dr. Brasch afterwards having found that my tubes were blocked. We were given the option of a procedure to open my tubes up then do IUIs or start IVF. After having one IUI and no guarantee that he could open up my tubes, we will be starting IVF in May.

Describe your experience with your nurse.

Ashley is our IVF nurse and she has been amazing thus far and we have yet to start the actual process.
As far as other staff in the office, we had a "new " nurse who wasn't familiar with the IVF cycle at our last appointment. Due to her not being familiar with the IVF process hence mishandling our visit, we could not start IVF in March as we had been told we could. This was very upsetting.
During our IUI, I was going in for my monitoring i.e. labs and US. The first time I went in for the US the technologist (Mia) did not explain the procedure prior to inserting the US probe. At that time I had not had an US previously so was taken aback by her bedside manner. She then nonchalantly mentioned the large cyst on my ovary and how it may interfere with going forward with the IUI but it was not cancerous. Again being a healthcare provider, I was shocked at how she addressed this situation. I later spoke with the manager about her due to how upset she made me at this visit.
The other staff are friendly and overall nice.

Describe your experience with Chicago IVF.

The biggest strength for me is the multiple locations with one being super convenient for me when going to work.
A weakness is the office hours. It was hard to find a time for an appointment that worked with my work schedule.
Overall, be your own patient advocate. Ask the questions. Ask to speak with someone if needed. I pay out of pocket for everything and I want to feel like I am getting the care I deserve.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Joel Brasch.

The initial visit was $300; I forget the exact amount. Each subsequent visit was $155. IUI was $1200 plus medications which were clomid $25, trigger shot *99, and progesterone suppositories $500. Our quote for IVF is $12,800 for all the Chicago IVF services, $1700 for the surgical center, $645 for embryo freezing, $345 for sperm freezing, plus medications which are estimated about $4000.

What specific things went wrong at this clinic?

Failed to order appropriate test

Failed to convey critical information

5

Doctor

Joel Brasch

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

5

Clinic

Chicago IVF

Valparaiso

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

– Read less

2

Age

26 - 27

Treated

2014 - 2015

Success with this Doc

No

Treatment

6 IUI

Diagnosis

PCOS

2

I only saw Dr. Brasch like twice during my 6 treatments, I felt like a number. And every treatment it didn't work I felt like a failure. When I was finally able to conceive, I lost my twins at 19 weeks and when I returned to try again my loss was ignored...They weren't willing to change the protocol after it didn't work, I was just told I was young and we will try again...the doctors hardly ever saw me and I can guarantee they couldn't pick me out as one of their patients

+ Read more

Age

26 - 27

Treated

2014 - 2015

Success with this Doc

No

Race

European

Income

$100K - $199K

Occupation

—

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1st of 2 Docs

Treatment

6 IUI

Diagnosis

PCOS

2

How was your experience with Joel Brasch?

I only saw Dr. Brasch like twice during my 6 treatments, I felt like a number. And every treatment it didn't work I felt like a failure. When I was finally able to conceive, I lost my twins at 19 weeks and when I returned to try again my loss was ignored.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Joel Brasch?

Be your own advocate, ask questions and ask about other options.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

They weren't willing to change the protocol after it didn't work, I was just told I was young and we will try again. I loved the nurse Angela, but the doctors hardly ever saw me and I can guarantee they couldn't pick me out as one of their patients

Describe the protocols Joel Brasch used in your cycles and their degree of success.

I did 6 IUI rounds with injectables one resulted in a twin pregnancy (#3 out of 6 cycles) The first round started with clomid, it did nothing for me so with switched to follistim and was watched. It started with a small dose under 100 and we ended up doing 225 units for 13 days on average for each cycle.

Describe your experience with your nurse.

Angela was amazing, she was very invested in my success. My positive test was her positive test and my loss was her loss. She is the sweetest and kindest nurse I have had. Another plus... she was great at getting blood out of my tiny veins that like to roll and collapse.

Describe your experience with Chicago IVF.

They were conveniently located and the front office staff and the nurse was great. Driving to the Munster clinic to get procedures done was ideal but I understand it's a small office that offers monitoring.

Describe the costs associated with your care under Joel Brasch.

I don't remember

2

Doctor

Joel Brasch

Communication

Trustworthiness

Compassion

Explained risks

Adaptability

Frequency seen during appointments

3

Clinic

Chicago IVF

Munster

Nursing

Operations

Scheduling

Billing

Clinic Atmosphere

Educational Resources

– Read less

10

Age

27

Treated

2015

Success with this Doc

Yes

Treatment

2 IUI

Diagnosis

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Unexplained

10

He [Dr. Brasch] was very thorough with explaining our treatment plan options. He was able to answer all questions I had. He was very personable and didn't make me feel like I was just another patient... Go into the appointment open minded to treatment options.

+ Read more

Age

27

Treated

2015

Success with this Doc

Yes

Race

Other

Income

$50K - $99K

Occupation

—

Order & Number of Docs Seen

1 Doc Seen

Treatment

2 IUI

Diagnosis

Recurrent Pregnancy Loss, Unexplained

10

How was your experience with Joel Brasch?

I found Dr. Brasch to be an excellent doctor. He was very thorough with explaining the treatment process and was able to answer all of my questions.

What one piece of advice would you give a prospective patient of Joel Brasch?

To go into the appointment open minded to treatment options.

During treatment, did you feel like you were treated like a number or a human?

He was very thorough with explaining our treatment plan options. He was able to answer all questions I had. He was very personable and didn't make me feel like I was just another patient.

Describe the protocols Joel Brasch used in your cycles and their degree of success.

We did two cycles of iui with Clomid and trigger shots.

Describe your experience with the nursing staff.

They seemed to be somewhat unorganized. I went in for my cycle day 10 blood work and ultrasound and I had to ask the nurse for a specimen cup. She said they had in the system that we were doing timed intercourse. Which was not the case.